Want to change the world? Try one project or conversation at a time.

Dear Coach:


Everybody seems to be dumping on my generation for wanting meaningful work. I don’t see what’s wrong with wanting to spend my lifetime doing something that makes a difference to the world. I’m holding out for a job like that. How can I get my parents to back off and realize that we’re on the mark?

Proud to be a Y-er

Dear Proud:

Boy, I couldn’t agree more with you. If you don’t value how you spend your life, who will?

I just spent a weekend at a seminar where the participants ranged in age from 19 – 70. One lively discussion was raised by the 30-somethings in the group who asked why Gen-Yers – the age group between 16-27 -- expect so much from their employers. Gen-Yers, they said, can’t be motivated by money. If they’re not happy, they’re quite willing to move on or find some way to be self-employed. They can’t be motivated by loyalty to the organization, because they’ve lost faith that the organization is loyal to them. The only thing that does seem to motivate them is work they find important and are engaged by.

In response, the Gen-Yers said, “Look, we’re overwhelmed. We have more choices, it seems, than any other generation. We could start a business, and we’re not afraid to try. Maybe we could go to Darfur and help out for a few years. Maybe we should get a more traditional job , because our parents’ lifestyle looks pretty good. More than that, we know we’re inheriting a world with global warming and other issues that will rest on our generation to solve. “

In short, these Gen-Yers were saying, “Other generations talk about us being irresponsible. But its exactly because we feel so much responsibility that we’re having a hard time figuring out the best path.” What I heard in this exchange was that Gen-Yers are looking for not just work, but mind-blowingly important work.

Anyone would be daunted by finding that kind of career. So what can you do? Keep the vision, but chunk it down. Remember this is a vision, not a specific job, but the kind of work you really want. Then, spend some time expanding on your vision by doing this exercise:

* If you were doing mind-blowing work, what deeply held values would be met?
* If you were to have the kind of work you envision, what kind of person would you be? What would others say about you?
* If you had the kind of work you envision, what talents do you already have that could contribute to it?
* If you had the work in your vision, what capabilities would you need to develop?

Finding your life’s work just got a lot easier.

Maybe your vision is to work in an area where you can have a positive impact on the environment. You envision yourself working with people who share your strongly held beliefs about the importance of nature and sustainability. You see yourself as spokesperson and writer who can influence public opinion. You already have talents as a public speaker and in leading small groups, but you need to develop your skills as a writer and researcher. You don’t have to find your ideal job tomorrow. You just have to take every opportunity in whatever job you’re in to develop the skills and have the experience that bring you closer to your vision.